A head louse is a tiny, wingless insect that can attach to a person's hair, where it feeds on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Lice, while annoying, aren't dangerous and they don't spread disease.

Signs and Symptoms

severe itching of the scalp

nits (tiny oval specks of grey or yellow-white on the hair shaft)

lice (reddish brown tiny insects on the hair shaft)

small red bumps on the scalp

a rash on the scalp, with crusting and oozing (if severe)

swollen lymph glands in the neck

What to Do

A doctor will recommend a medicated rinse or lotion to kill the lice. It's important to follow the directions for these products exactly because applying too much or too often can be harmful.

Here are some ways to get rid of lice and their eggs around the house:

Check everyone in the house for lice and seek treatment if necessary.

Wash all bed linens and clothing in very hot water, then put them in the hot cycle of the dryer for at least 20 minutes.